What Kind Of Lighting?

[SkiFletch]

Im just having trouble finding the ballast right now. I can just use normal wires right? So basically, I need endcaps, reflector, and a ballast? I was thinking for the endcaps, either one of these, probably the cheaper one <a href="http/www.customaquatic.com/customaquatic...ndexid=lt-t5-ec" target="_blank">http/www.customaquatic.com/customaquatic...ndexid=lt-t5-ec</a>

I am still not sure about the ballast though? Do you think it is possible to get one under 40?

Edit: Oh yeah, for the bulbs, which brand would you recommend? So far, I have seen these, coralvue, jalli, pacific coast, sunlight supply, uv lighting, and viaaqua.

Get a page not found error on the link...

The only way you're gonna get a ballast that cheap is to get one used.

UVL bulbs seem to get good reviews. I've never used T5's though

And yes, you can use any wires you want, just make sure it is rated for at least 300V, prefferably 600V and at least 18 gague. You don't want insulation biases to kill you.

 

[Dorkhedeos]

Thanks Ski, youre number 1 Oh yeah, for some reason the link in my post doesnt work, but when i clicked on the link in the quoted area, it works http/www.customaquatic.com/customaquatic...ndexid=lt-t5-ec

 

[SkiFletch]

Because somehow HTML and the forum scripts got mixed together. I can only tell cause I can "edit" your post and see the original text but yeah the link got screwed up somehow...

Back on topic, if you can part it out cheaper than one of those retrofit kits, I'll be impressed...

 

[Dorkhedeos]

I am not really sure which ballast brands are good, but this one has a 1 year warranty, so i guess it shouldnt be that bad. <a href="http/cgi.ebay.com/Advance-T5-Ballast-2x2...VQQcmdZViewItem" target="_blank">http/cgi.ebay.com/Advance-T5-Ballast-2x2...VQQcmdZViewItem</a>

I figured that after i get the ballast, reflectors, and the endcaps, it will cost me about same amount as the hello lights kit. I think it is better than the actual hello lights kit because i get the reflectors i want, instead of getting their unknown brand

Edit: I just noticed that the UVL bulb can run at 40 watts with a icecap VHO ballst, but it runs at 24 watts with a standard HO t5 ballast. Does this mean it wont run at peak performance if i put it into a ho setup? Whats up with this ballast anyways? Does it run 2x24w or 2x39w? Are the 2x39w VHO t5s or just longer HO bulbs? If I ran 24w, would the ballast be less efficient?

 

[SkiFletch]

You'd be overdriving the heck out of the bulb if you tried running it on VHO. You'd get tons of light out of it and likely burn it out in 6-12 months

Technically VHO bulbs are T12 bulbs with thicker starting filaments in them, allowing them to push more electrical current through them, thus creating a brighter bulb. VHO was the only flourescent solution available a decade or two ago that really put out light comparable to metal halides.

Remember, a ballast at its most basic is just a transformer and capacitor that takes regular electricity from your wall, transforms it up in voltage, provides significant startup volgate/current, and limits the electrical current once the bulb is lit. This can be done magnetically or electronically. The bulb is really just a length of tube with specific metals and gasses in it designed literally to burn as current passes through it. If enough voltage and current is applied to ovecome the bulb's internal resistance at startup, current can flow through the bulb, burning the phosphors, and creating light (and heat as a byproduct). The internal resistance of the bulb is pretty much governed by both its length and diameter (T5, T8, T12, etc).

Having said all that, usually running a bulb with a lower wattage ballast will result in the bulb not firing, and a lot of fluttering of the light. Running a bulb slightly above wattage spec works just fine usually, but of course burns out the bulb faster (the ballast doesnt care). The only exception to this is power compact tubes, as trying to overdrive them will very often lead to blown out bulbs due to their length (they're actually two bulbs in one socket linked at one end)

 

[Dorkhedeos]

Thanks ski, youre the best Ill try to learn more than you and answer some of your questions some day

 

[SkiFletch]

Thanks ski, youre the best Ill try to learn more than you and answer some of your questions some day

before or after I've come down with a case of dementia?